Hello All, I've always been an INTEL guy, however with the upcoming FSX I'm thinking of switching to AMD and their new dual core processors.What is the (a) fastest, (:( best processor they have and how is it comparable to an overclocked P4 3.4 extreme?What kind of numbers can you pull from it and how much cooling do you need?Thanks in advanceClayhttp://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/F...ers/Dopke01.jpgClayton T. Dopke (Clay)Major, USAF (retired)"Drac"

Hi Clay, what kind of timeframe are you looking at? If it's for FSX, I'ld wait a while and see what happens. If it's for soon, I'ld wait too! :-) Some interesting stuff is just around the corner. Hope this adds to thoughts, kind regards Jaap

Roger that, JaapJust doing some long term planning, as I'm, sure my present system will run FSX, however it seems alot of us always need 'new' LOL when a new FS comes out.System today:P4 3.4 overclocked to 3.71Asus P4C800-E deluxATI Radon 9800 pro1 gig Hypertech blue, covered PC3200 ram160 gig HD,Sony DVD/cd/burner and player Alien aluminum case with 8 gillion fans Best to allClayhttp://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/F...ers/Dopke01.jpgClayton T. Dopke (Clay)Major, USAF (retired)"Drac"

I'm doing the same kind of planning Clay. It looks like you and I have about the same capability now (but I only have 5 fans :-) ) and I, too, am seriously thinking about a switch to AMD and have the same question about the processor. Hopefully someone can sort it for us.DougP4 3.2E @ 3.680 (1.385 vCore - 230 FSB)Asus P4C800-E Deluxe (BIOS 1019)2 x 512MB Corsair TWINX CXM3700 (3-4-4-8)5 x 300GB WD HDD'sHercules 9800 Pro (128MB @ 410/360)A-Open 1648 AAP RipperPlextor 708A WriterEnermax 431W PSUInwin CaseEdited because I can't spel

>>What is the (a) fastest, (:( best processor they have and how>is it comparable to an overclocked P4 3.4 extreme?>Clay,Have a look at this article about the FX60 dual core at Toms Hardwarehttp://www6.tomshardware.com/2006/01/10/am...l_core_assault/Don't miss all other articles on CPUs and graphic cards.Ulf B

The problem in the AMD arena is the coming of the AM2 form factor in the next couple months, prior to FSX. The main factor, other than CPU being DDR2 memory being used. You could, right today, buy a very good 939 dual CPU, and 2 gig kit of DDR400 memory, or even if budget allows some DDR533 capable, but then there isn't an obvious upgrade path (but maybe that isn't a requirement if you are planning to stay with this solution for a while). I'm not running a dual-core (yet) but i think you need to consider L1/L2 cache along with speed rating between the 64x2 and FX versions.scott s..

Just a reminder, boost your system now with a 939 mobo from asrock, by the time the AM2 is out, so will the bridge to go from 939 to AM2.. so you could easily cross from 939 to AM2 without having to buy a new mobo.

I built an FX60 system. It definitely kicks the snot out of my P4 3.2 with everything current but FS9 is pretty crippled due to it's age and apart from better frame rates (maybe 10+), don't expect the world.I needed the second machine/upgrade so i built the best there was available. Unless you are in a hurry, I would wait until the AM2 replacements are widespread and the motherboards have been around a while, there is nothing worse then getting an engineering version of a board and watching a new bios come out every week.6 month wait could have you saving well over $500.

Look at this article, 4.1 ghz cpu for $130http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/05/10/dual_41_ghz_cores/

Scott,Thanks for the article. Wow! It's hard to beat a 'Tom's' in depth article on how to do something. I have to be honest about it, I'm sold! have ordered both the CPU and MB and am just wondering about which PC Express vid card to buy, as mine is an AGP ATI9800 Pro, and I would like something faster and better than what I have. It's unbelieveable to think that the Intel 2.66 dual core can be overclocked to 4.10 Gig, with nothing more than switching to a water cooled CPU system, and taking the FSB to 200!I'll tell ya, this was just like Christmas for me as I knew I would have to spend 2k plus for a new system, however 600 some dollars, plus the vid card is pretty darned cheap for that kind of power.Thanks again for the link to the article . . . just fantastic!Best,Clayhttp://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/F...ers/Dopke01.jpgClayton T. Dopke (Clay)Major, USAF (retired)"Drac"

Hope you live somewhere with a fixed rate power bill and good air conditioning.400 Watts on a CPU is beyond nuts! :+

Ray, It would be interesting to see just what the difference in the power bill would be, however I do not leave my computer rull 24/7. It runs when I want to use it and is off when I don't.Besides, just the water pump for my well to water our horses costs 120 per month, (it is a very deep well and uses a 5HP electric motor to pump the water and runs 60% of the time), it is NOT unusual for this ranch to have a $850 power bill per month, so what the computer could add is not a grand expense . . . but it is worth noting and finding out.Best,Clayhttp://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/F...ers/Dopke01.jpgClayton T. Dopke (Clay)Major, USAF (retired)"Drac"

Hey Clay,I would have jumped in a little earlier but didn't see this thread. I imagine you've already ordered everything by now.I was just going to suggest a wait till July if possible as the last Intel Shareholders meeting there was an official announcement for the July release of the Core 2 Duo 6000 series CPU (Conroe).Not sure if you've been following its developments but so far it

Hi Clay,This might interest you:http://tomshardware.co.uk/2005/11/21/the_m...5uk/page79.htmlAlso, look at thwe bottom of the page for Benchmark results in other categories.Mike

Clay,How's it coming with that new machine. Very interested in your results and how it performs with FS. Thanks!ErvOld B52 Engine Maintainer